Abstract
In this paper, a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations solver, interFoam of OpenFOAM®, is validated for wave interactions with a dike, including a promenade and vertical wall, on a shallow foreshore. Such a coastal defence system is comprised of both an impermeable dike and a beach in front of it, forming the shallow foreshore depth at the dike toe. This case necessitates the simulation of several processes simultaneously: wave propagation, wave breaking over the beach slope, and wave interactions with the sea dike, consisting of wave overtopping, bore interactions on the promenade, and bore impacts on the dike-mounted vertical wall at the end of the promenade (storm wall or building). The validation is done using rare large-scale experimental data. Model performance and pattern statistics are employed to quantify the ability of the numerical model to reproduce the experimental data. In the evaluation method, a repeated test is used to estimate the experimental uncertainty. The solver interFoam is shown to generally have a very good model performance rating. A detailed analysis of the complex processes preceding the impacts on the vertical wall proves that a correct reproduction of the horizontal impact force and pressures is highly dependent on the accuracy of reproducing the bore interactions.
Highlights
Low-elevation coastal zones often have mildly to steeply-sloping sandy beaches as part of their coastal defence system
These buildings are usually fronted by a low-crested, steep-sloped, and impermeable sea dike with a relatively short promenade, where the long beach in front of the dike acts as a mildly sloping shallow foreshore. This type of coastal defence system combines hard and soft coastal protection against flooding. Such hybrid approaches are regarded by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with high agreement as a promising way forward in terms of response to sea level rise [1]
During a standing LW crest at the dike toe, the LWs themselves overtopped the dike thereby temporarily aiding several breaking SWs to overtop the crest of the dike
Summary
Low-elevation coastal zones often have mildly to steeply-sloping sandy beaches as part of their coastal defence system. For countries in north-western Europe, coastal urban areas typically have high-rise buildings close to the coastline. These buildings are usually fronted by a low-crested, steep-sloped, and impermeable sea dike with a relatively short promenade, where the long (nourished) beach in front of the dike acts as a mildly sloping shallow foreshore. This type of coastal defence system combines hard and soft coastal protection against flooding. Waves overtop the dike crest, and post-overtopping processes include bore propagation on the promenade, bore impact on a wall or building, and reflection back towards the sea interacting with incoming bores on the promenade
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